M23 Rebels Capture Goma, Escalating Conflict in Eastern Congo

The M23 rebel group has reportedly seized control of Goma, the largest city in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), signaling a severe escalation in the ongoing conflict in North Kivu province. The capture of Goma, a key humanitarian and security hub, has intensified fears of widespread violence, displacement, and civilian casualties in one of Africa’s longest-running conflicts.

The M23 rebels, who are believed to be backed by Rwanda, declared the city’s capture early on Monday, just ahead of the expiration of a 48-hour ultimatum they had given to the Congolese army to surrender their weapons. Gunfire and explosions could be heard throughout the city, which is home to over 2 million people. According to aid workers, many residents fled in panic, with some seeking refuge in neighboring Rwanda.

As M23 fighters advanced, the United Nations (UN) reported severe disruptions to humanitarian operations, including the closure of Goma’s airport and blocked roads, leaving the city “trapped.” The UN peacekeeping mission in Congo, which includes troops from countries such as South Africa and Uruguay, has faced mounting casualties, with at least 13 peacekeepers killed over the past week.

The situation in Goma deteriorated rapidly, with sporadic fighting reported in the city center. Some civilians who had been displaced from other areas of eastern Congo sought refuge in Goma, fearing that the city would not be safe either.

The humanitarian impact of the conflict is severe, with over a third of North Kivu’s population already displaced. The UN estimates that more than 237,000 people were displaced just in January, exacerbating an already dire crisis. Local aid organizations, including Mercy Corps, have been forced to pull staff from Goma as the fighting grows more intense.

Congolese authorities have condemned the rebel advances as a “declaration of war,” accusing Rwanda of supporting the M23 group, which is largely composed of ethnic Tutsis. Congo’s foreign minister, Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner, has called for international action, stating that Rwanda’s involvement in the conflict is undeniable. However, Rwanda has denied these allegations, instead accusing the DRC of harboring rebels from the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), a group responsible for the 1994 genocide.

The Security Council of the United Nations held an emergency meeting on Sunday, condemning the violence and calling for a ceasefire. The United States and France have also urged Rwanda to cease supporting the rebels, with the U.S. warning that it would use “all the tools at its disposal” to hold those responsible accountable.

The M23 rebels first seized Goma in 2012 but withdrew after intense international pressure. However, since their resurgence in 2022, they have made significant territorial gains. Experts note that this time, the group’s motivations are rooted in their desire to control territory in North Kivu, particularly areas rich in mineral resources, rather than demands for political integration as seen in the past.

As fighting continues in and around Goma, the UN has temporarily relocated non-essential personnel, and other international organizations have suspended operations. The future of Goma remains uncertain, and the humanitarian situation in eastern Congo continues to worsen as the conflict shows no sign of abating.